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2008 SPARC Supreme Sports Journalist of the Year winner Eric Young (centre) flanked by NZSJA Chairman Richard Becht (left) and Jock McLean.

The awards recognise the best in New Zealand sports journalism covering print, photography, radio and television for work produced from November 2008 to October 2009.

The SPARC Sports Journalist of the Year Award is recognition of the single outstanding entry across all categories.

The deadline for entries is Friday 23 October 2009.

Download the application form (PDF, 869 KB).

Judging in the various categories will be carried out following the closing date with three finalists to be chosen in each category. The winners will be announced at the TP McLean Awards Dinner to be held in Auckland on Friday 4 December 2009.

SPARC/NZSJA Sports Journalism Scholarship

2008 winner of the SPARC Award for Recreation/Adventure/Lifestyle Reporting, Peter Cronshaw (TVNZ) celebrates with SPARC chief executive Peter Miskimmin (and the Rugby League World Cup which made a guest appearance at last year’s awards).

This year we introduce the SPARC/NZSJA Sports Journalism Scholarship which provides two recipients $1,000 cash and the opportunity to attend a series of exclusive briefings and interviews with New Zealand's sports leaders.

A SPARC initiative, the scholarship aims to provide journalists and their organisations access to many of the major players and policy makers in sports governance and to promote greater understanding of what happens `under the hood' in New Zealand sport.

The programme of intensive briefings and interviews will afford the two successful candidates a rare opportunity to meet with a number of New Zealand's sporting chiefs to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing the sector. It will also enable them to raise and profile issues from a media perspective.

In addition to receiving a cash prize of $1,000, scholarship winners will spend a week in Wellington and Auckland attending the briefings, with travel and accommodation costs met by SPARC.

Who can apply?

Former SPARC Chairman Sir John Wells (left) with Bob Howitt, 2008 recipient of the SPARC Lifetime Achievement Award for an outstanding contribution to sport through journalism.

The scholarships are open to sports journalists working in New Zealand with up to five years experience. Preference will be given to candidates who;

• Have a proven track record in sports journalism.
• Demonstrate an interest in and ability to cover sports governance and administration issues.

Entry conditions and details are included in the 2009 Sir Terry McLean National Sports Journalism Awards entry form.

Updated | 29 Sep 2009.

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